Enchilada vs. Chimichanga: What’s the Difference?

When you have a longing for a snack or meal that is excellent, flavorful, and will satisfy your hunger, the finest options to choose from are enchiladas and chimichangas, which are classic Mexican dishes. In addition to the fact that they are both considered to be Mexican meals, another similarity between the two is that they are both deep-fried and made using many of the same components for the filling. On the other hand, enchiladas and chimichangas are not identical in any way. There are some key distinctions between the two.

What sets an enchilada from from a chimichanga is the use of a different filling. The way in which an enchilada and a chimichanga are wrapped is the primary distinction between the two dishes. Corn tortillas are traditionally used to wrap a genuine enchilada, although flour tortillas are more often used to do the same for a chimichanga.

What are Other Differences Between an Enchilada and a Chimichanga?

In addition to the most obvious distinction, which is how they are wrapped, an enchilada and a chimichanga are distinguished from one another in other ways. To begin, they are distinguished from one another by a primary component. In contrast to an enchilada, a chimichanga often does not have any rice in its filling. Cheese, beans, shredded pork, and other toppings like these are common additions to enchiladas and chimichangas, just as they are to other Mexican dishes. Due to the fact that a chimichanga is essentially a burrito with the exception that it is deep-fried, the filling should consist of rice.

Second, an enchilada is a classic and authentic dish that originates from Mexico. On the other hand, a chimichanga is considered to be a Tex-Mex dish. It has not been authenticated as a traditional Mexican dish. The very name itself is a hybrid of Mexican and Spanish (chamuscado). It is interesting to note that Woody Johnson, who owned Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen in 1946, thought he had developed chimichangas when he slipped a burrito into a deep fryer by mistake. After being added to the selection, the item shot to the top of the popularity charts almost immediately.

Thirdly, an enchilada is usually served with an enchilada sauce, which may either be based on chili or cheese. This sauce can also be either spicy or mild. When it comes to chimichangas, you may serve them with any sauce or salsa out of the many options available. Having said that, you are free to choose any sauce or salsa that strikes your fancy to go along with your enchilada.

Does an Enchilada Taste Like a Chimichanga?

To put it simply, yes and no. It’s possible that an enchilada and a chimichanga will have the same flavor since they both employ the same sauces and many of the same components in their fillings. However, the flavor of your chimichanga will be significantly impacted by the kind of rice used as well as the seasonings that are added to it. In addition, people who have taste buds that are very sensitive will be able to differentiate between the flavors of a corn tortilla and a flour tortilla.

Are Enchiladas and Chimichangas Healthy to Eat?

They certainly are. Both enchiladas and chimichangas provide a good source of protein because to the meat, beans, and cheese that are included in their fillings. You may be able to get around 20 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 400 calories, but this will depend on the rationing. The amount of salt and fat will be determined by the ratio of meat to fat in the beef that is used, as well as the amount of oil and salt that is utilized.

What Ingredients Do You Use to Make a Chimichanga?

People often use rice, beans, and cheese as the ingredients for a chimichanga. Other fillings may also be used. To round out the dinner and make it more substantial, you might also include some meat. Both shredded pork and chicken are wonderful options in any situation. You might also use beef that has been dried, marinated, or minced, according on your preference.

What Ingredients Do You Use to Make an Enchilada?

People often use meat, beans, potatoes, cheese, and other veggies as fillings for enchiladas. Other vegetables may also be used. As is the case with chimichangas, you may add meat to the dish to make it more balanced. In addition to beef mince or slices that have been dried or seasoned, other excellent options include shredded pork and chicken.

In terms of the accompanying sauce, an enchilada may be served with either a cheese sauce or a chili sauce.

Can You Bake an Enchilada and Chimichanga?

Yes, you can. Those who are trying to reduce the amount of fat they consume may want to try baking their enchiladas and chimichangas instead of frying them. The temperature and the amount of time needed to bake might vary from oven to oven. First, set the oven to 175 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes, and then make any required adjustments.

Is it Easy to Make an Enchilada or a Chimichanga?

Yes. If you don’t feel like ordering takeout, you can always create something for yourself at any time of the day.

This is how it should be done:

1. Make a decision on the fillings you want.
2. The cheeses should be grated.
3. Prepare your veggies by dicing or slicing them.
4. Prepare your beef slices or mince by seasoning and cooking it.
5. Pick, prepare, and season the rice of your choosing before using it in chimichangas.
6. Make sure your fillings are well-mixed.
7. If you’re making enchiladas, lay out a corn tortilla, and if you’re making chimichangas, lay down a flour tortilla.
8. Place a spoonful of the filling around the rim of your tortilla. Maintain a limit of no more than a third of a cup of filling per tortilla.
9. The tortilla should be rolled gently yet securely. Before you cook or bake your wraps, make sure the seams are facing downward. This will prevent them from opening up.
10. For enchiladas, prepare your chili sauce or cheese sauce.
11. Prepare the deep fryer by heating the oil. You may use a sufficient amount of frying oil to completely submerge the enchilada or chimichanga in it. You might also use oil that causes your enchilada or chimichanga to sink about a third of the way through. You will, however, be required to flip the pieces once a few minutes have passed.
12. Enchiladas and chimichangas should be cooked over a heat that is medium-high. Also, take care not to use too much heat too rapidly. A hue that is crisp and golden brown should be your goal.
13. Take them out carefully using tongs or a slotted spoon, and place them on a rack or plate that has been lined with paper towels so they can drain.
14. Place the enchiladas on a serving dish, then pour the sauce over them. Chimichangas may be served with sauce or salsa.

Can You Store Enchiladas and Chimichangas in the Freezer?

It is possible to make enchiladas and chimichangas ahead of time and then keep them uncooked in a container that is airtight for up to six months. You may pull them out whenever you want to use them to cook anything. It is not necessary to defrost the components beforehand. To deep fry them, you may immediately place them in oil that has been heated to a medium temperature.

What Do You Pair with an Enchilada and Chimichanga?

You may top a platter of enchiladas or chimichangas with spicy sauces, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole before serving them to your guests.

Final Thoughts

• The tortilla used to wrap an enchilada is made of maize, whereas the tortilla used to wrap a chimichanga is made of flour.
• Rice is often included in the filling of a chimichanga, but enchiladas do not typically contain rice in their filling.
• When making a chimichanga, you may add almost any sauce or salsa you choose. On the other hand, an enchilada will always be accompanied with its own specific sauce (chili sauce or cheese sauce).